This is a gripping account of the famous operation in Entebbe, Uganda on 4 July 1976. While the nation of Israel, and Jews throughout the world, struggle with the painful realities of the current Intifada, Yoni's Last Battle by Iddo Netanyahu returns to an earlier chapter of the Arab-Israeli struggle -- to a time when the battles were more clear-cut, and genuine heroes led the charge. The date was 4 July 1976. While millions of Americans celebrated the 200th anniversary of their independence, thirty of Israel's elite commandos flew 2,000 miles to Entebbe, Uganda, under the cover of darkness, in a desperate attempt to rescue 105 Jewish and Israeli passengers hijacked by terrorists on an Air France flight. Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, a courageous and celebrated soldier, led the daring operation. Virtually the entire group of hostages was liberated and returned safely to Israel, but Yoni was killed in the operation that was described by the New York Times as having "no precedent in military history". In extraordinary detail, Dr Iddo Netanyahu -- Yoni's youngest brother, and also brother to former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu -- reconstructs events to portray a minute-to-minute chronicle of one of the earliest and most spectacular victories in the modern war against terrorism. Based on interviews with almost every member of the operation, Yoni's Last Battle is a fascinating and first-hand account of the intense 48-hour period of planning and preparation of the mission, and its near-perfect execution in extremely difficult circumstances. This is also an intriguing portrayal of Yoni himself, who at the age of 30, was the brilliant and heroic commander of a courageous and daring mission.

Special offers and product promotions

Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Product description

Review

Originally published in Hebrew in 1991, this book has been reissued in English to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Entebbe raid. In June 1976, an Air France jetliner was hijacked and forced to fly to Entebbe, Uganda, by terrorists. On July 4, 30 soldiers of the Israeli army known as "the Unit" successfully rescued over 100 Israeli and Jewish passengers held captive by the terrorists. Only the 30-year-old commander of the unit, Lt. Col. Jonathan (Yoni) Netanyahu, was killed. He was the brother of the author, who also participated in the raid, along with a third brother, Benjamin Netanyahu (later to become prime minister of Israel). The book is both an accurate, detailed account of the raid and a personal tribute to a brother and a hero. The fast-paced text offers numerous flashbacks of the three brothers' childhood and army service. Although some details and identities remain classified, the author was able to interview most of the unit's soldiers and others involved in the raid. This new edition contains transcripts of those interviews. The book lacks an index, but photos, drawings, and personal recollections assist in explaining this historical event. Recommended for all public libraries. David M. Alperstein, Queens Borough P.L., Jamaica, NY
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Iddo Netanyahu was born in Jerusalem, Israel. After graduating from high school in the United States, where he spent part of his childhood, he returned to Israel. There he enlisted in the elite commando unit that his older brother Jonathan was to lead to Entebbe in 1976. It was during his studies at The Hebrew University School of Medicine that Netanyahu began his career as an author of short stories, novels and political articles. He divides his time between writing and working as a physician. Netanyahu lives in Jerusalem with his wife and two children.

Top customer reviews

Jonathan (Yoni) Netenyahu was a 30 year old distinguished and well respected soldier, the Commanding Officer of "the Unit" which stood for General Staff Reconnaissance Unit in Israel. They were a key force in defending Israel against its enemies. Iddo Netenyaho, the author of this book was in the reserves when the events in this book took place. The book is about the daring rescue of airline passengers held captive by Arab and German terrorists in Entebbe, Uganda which took place on July 4, 1976. As missions go, it was an overwhelming success ... with only one casualty. The book is based on meticulous research, such as over seventy taped interviews of participants in the raid, radio interviews, and statements made by reserve members at a ten year commemorative meeting of the mission. The book reads like a suspense-filled novel. Drew Middleton,a military analyst for the New York Times, calls this military action/rescue the first of its kind. Unfortunately, Yoni the Commander and leader, was shot right when his team was about to deploy in front of the building of the large hall. The team members did as instructed by their Commander during the drills, they continued with the assault and would treat the injured afterwards. By the time Yoni received help from a doctor, it was clear he had suffered massive blood loss from internal injuries. Despite life-saving interventions out in the field, the situation became hopeless and he died.

Iddo Netenyahu provides fascinating insights into his brother's personality and character by interspersing recollections of family events, describing what his brother told him, and quoting excerpts of letters written at different times in his life. What makes this book so interesting is that the author provides a glimpse of the human side of his brother, a fallen hero and brave leader in Israel's fight against terrorism. Yoni often looked at the larger picture of life and was in touch with his feelings. Yoni's dedication and committment to being a career soldier is obvious. The author discovered the very high regard and deep respect held for Yoni by fellow soldiers and superiors. He was one of those leaders who inspire others to action, leading by example not just the spoken word. He remained focused despite the uncertainties which lay ahead. He kept the soldiers calm as they waited for the "go ahead".

It was Israel policy to not negotiate with terrorists. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin collaborated with high level Israel Defense Force officials as well as the head of the Mossad before granting approval for this unprecedented action. Initially, Ehud Barak, former Commander of the unit who was chosen to lead the assault due to his extensive experience with previous special operations activities involving a hijacked airline and nightime raids in Beirut. As Commanding Officer, Yoni helped plan the operations and actions of the five assault teams. Later Ehud was assigned to cover operations in Kenya, which opened the field for Yoni to assume full responsibilty for key decisions associated with the assault.

The hijacking occurred on June 27, 1976. The terrorists gave a deadline to free 53 terrorists held in captivity by several countries or they they would begin executing passengers. Despite only a few days notice, within 48 hours the best and most capable men of the Israeli Defense Forces were trained to do the most daring rescue ever conceived for freeing hostages held by terrorists and they succeeded. This book provides an insider's view of the complex planning and decision making associated with a surprise attack and daring rescue. As such, it is filled with many details which may overwhelm some readers. The covert military rescue operation was brought to a successful conclusion but if it had failed: the Minister of Defense, Yitzhak Rabin and his cabinet were prepared to resign. At the end, one is overjoyed that all the passengers were safely rescued ... yet, there remains lingering sadness that Israel lost one of its finest soldiers and leaders. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

Written by the brother of the commanding officer of the rescue, the only soldier to be killed, the brother was also in "the Unit". That's Sayeret Matkal, the Israeli equivalent of the UK SAS or the US Navy Seals, supported by Paratroops and elite infantry. This tells the most complete story of the Rescue of more than 100 hostages, 2,000 miles away. The Israelis had few options, all involving an immense risk, even acceding to the terrorists demands was an immense risk. The author does not shy from revealing the dire consequences of failure. Almost 40 years later and ever increasing tragedies, countries reeling from senseless massacre of their citizens, yet none are willing to take such bold steps. They tut, tut, very seriously, but little else. Pity.

I read this book many years ago and subsequently visited Israel and Yoni's memorial in Jerusalem. It has stayed with me for many years and I purchased this recently for my husband to read. He has found it as moving and fascinating as I did and read it several times. A very worthy read and an amazing man, well written by his brother.

Written by Yoni's brother Iddo this book gives a lot of insight into Yoni as a person. It has research and quotes from the PM through top forces officers to everyday members involved in the raid on Entebbe. It is very factual but easy to read style. A great book that I'd highly recommend to others.